by B. J. Scott
“Edina is right. I am as guilty of jumping tae conclusions as my da. I should have known better than to question your honor, and am verra sorry.” Jayden lowered his eyes and shuffled his feet.
“While I dinna approve of the way Edina was mistreated and never wish tae see the inside of your pit again, it appears you both realize you were in error.” After a moment’s pause, Alasdair held his arm out to Jayden. “If I had a sister and found myself in a similar situation, I might have reacted in the same way.”
Jayden grasped Alasdair’s wrist and hauled him into a tight embrace. “Thank you, my friend. I willna doubt your word again.”
“And your sister’s word?” Alasdair asked.
“I have already apologized tae Edina, but willna discount what she has tae say either.” Jayden took a step back. “You have always been like a brother tae me, Alasdair, I should never have doubted you.”
Alasdair turned to face Laird Sinclair and bowed. “I accept your apology, m’lord.”
“An act of contrition isna enough tae make adequate amends. Accompany Jayden tae the stable and take your pick of any mount and saddle. I will also see you are compensated with silver and other treasures as well. I—”
Alasdair raised his hand. “That willna be necessary. I have a trustworthy mount and dinna want your money. Only your promise that you willna doubt your daughter in the future.”
Jayden jabbed Alasdair in the ribs. “Are you right in the head, man? Take what he offered. Getting my da tae part with his coin or his livestock doesna happen often.” He tossed back his head and laughed.
“The gesture is a generous one indeed, but I consider his renewed faith in me and Edina as payment enough. What do you plan tae do with the man who attacked her?” Alasdair asked.
Laird Sinclair blew out a heavy sigh. “Sending Callum to fetch Edina home proved tae be a grievous mistake. He has been my advisor for many years. I also trusted him and never dreamed he would behave in such a dishonorable way.”
“He will be punished accordingly,” Jayden interjected. “Right now, he has taken your place in the pit and is awaiting my father’s decree. If I have my way, he will be gelded, then drawn and quartered. Even that is too good for the blackguard.”
“I have yet tae decide his fate, but mark my words, he will never hurt Edina again,” Laird Sinclair said with conviction.
“I’d like tae speak with Edina privately if you will grant us some time alone.” Alasdair glanced at the lass. “We have a few things tae discuss.”
Laird Sinclair gave a curt nod and moved toward the door. “Come, Jayden, we will give them some time tae speak. But keep in mind she is betrothed and I am expecting her future husband tae arrive at any time,” he commented over his shoulder.
Laird Sinclair’s words hit him like a blow to the gut. While he was in no position to ask for Edina’s hand, the idea of her in another man’s arms caused his blood to boil.
“Father, after all that has happened, I canna believe you still expect me tae marry Duncan Sutherland.”
“I’ve given my word. The wedding will take place,” her father replied and left the chamber.
“Jayden, you must try tae reason with him, make him change his mind. Please. I dinna wish tae be married tae a man I dinna know or love.”
Jayden shrugged. “He sent word of your return the minute he found out you were still alive. You know once Da makes a decision on something, he doesna change it. Best you resolve yourself tae the union,” he concluded then left the chamber.
Visibly upset about her upcoming nuptials, Edina threw her hands in the air, then fisted them at her sides. Her brow furrowed and she released a heavy sigh as her brother strolled down the hallway. “I must find a way to convince my da to break the pact he has made with Duncan’s father. I dinna wish tae marry and my brother doesna appear to be of any assistance.”
“Your father gave his word, and a man’s word is his bond,” Alasdair replied. “This alliance will help tae unite the Highland clans.”
“I’m not a piece of property to be bartered for. My mother married my father for all the wrong reasons and I willna follow in her path.”
“You dinna have a choice, Edina. As the laird’s daughter, it is your duty to marry as he sees fit. This has been the way of it for many centuries, and old traditions are not about tae change any time soon.”
“You could speak up on my behalf,” she blurted out, her face flushing red. “Please. Will you talk tae my da?”
“I have no influence on your father’s choice of a suitor. He has selected the man he thinks best meets the needs of the clan.” Alasdair wished there was something he could do to help, but even if he was prepared to admit he’d developed feelings for the lass, he held no title and had nothing to offer.
There was a time when he would have been considered a strong contender for her hand, but he gave up that chance when he declined his birthright and his brother was appointed as laird of Clan Fraser in his stead.
“My wishes mean naught tae anyone and I would rather go tae a priory than marry without love.” She sank onto a chair beside the hearth and buried her face in her hands.
Alasdair studied her downtrodden expression before he spoke. Something her father had told him weighed heavy on his mind. “I canna believe you were willing tae suffer the humiliation of an examination by the clan physician tae prove my innocence.”
“Again, I had no choice. If my father demanded it be done, I was helpless tae object,” she replied, her eyes trailing the floor.
“According tae what your da said, you gave your consent and were prepared tae go through with it willingly. That was until he decided tae believe your word. Why would you do such a thing?”
“I decided it best tae endure the embarrassment tae clear my name and yours. I couldna bear the thought of you being hanged for a deed you dinna commit. Not that it matters.”
“It does matter, Edina.” Alasdair stepped forward and lifted her chin. “No one has ever been willing tae make such a sacrifice on my behalf.”
His heart twisted when she gazed at him with tear-filled eyes. “Then do something tae stop the wedding. You could ask for my hand. Unless, you dinna find me appealing.”
Alasdair grasped her hands, helped her to her feet, and tugged her against his chest. “You are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes upon. If I were in a position tae marry, I could think of no other I would rather spend the rest of my life with.”
Before she could respond, he lowered his head and captured her lips.
Chapter 15
Edina clung to Alasdair’s tunic and her lips parted, welcoming his kiss with equal enthusiasm. She tasted even sweeter than he remembered, and his groin stirred, the tantalizing scent of heather and lavender making his head spin. He wanted her more than his next breath, and damned the consequences.
A voice inside his head told him this was wrong. He had no intention of taking a bride and had no right to lead Edina on. He battled the desire and lust coursing though his veins, but she affected him in ways no woman had ever done before.
Heaven help him.
He fisted one hand in her silky, flaxen tresses, holding her head in place, while he slid his other palm along her spine, coming to rest on her bottom. They fit together so perfectly, he’d swear she’d been tailored for him and him alone. Could she feel his heart pounding against his ribs like a beast trying to break free?
He cursed beneath his breath and broke the kiss as reality, not to mention, his senses, slowly returned. She was betrothed to another man and would never belong to him. He held her at arm’s length. “Forgive me, Edina. It appears I again find myself guilty of taking liberties I have no right tae take. Were your father tae return and catch us together in an embrace, everything we have done tae clear our names would be for naught.”
Despite his effort to put some distance between them, Edina refused to let go of his shirt. “You are obviously attracted tae me, Alasdair. Why else would you kiss me with
such passion? I must confess, I find you quite pleasing, and have since I was a wee lass. But I was not sure you felt the same way about me. I was after all quite a homely bairn.” Her bottom lip quivered as she lowered her gaze, but her grip on his garment held firm.
For a moment Alasdair saw before him a spindly, seven-year-old, freckle-faced lass, with stringy blond hair, huge hazel eyes, and a toothless grin. He gave his head a sharp shake and the image of a beautiful, beguiling woman returned.
“Neither of us was what one would call comely, especially me. You are breathtaking now, Edina.”
“As are you, m’lord.” She stroked his beard-stubbled cheek. “I always found you appealing. Even when you called me a pest.” She raised her chin and smiled.
His heart twisted and his stomach clenched. Turning his back on Edina and leaving Sinclair Castle was not going to be easy. “I was a tall, lanky, lad, naught but skin and bones. I find it hard tae believe any lass would find me attractive.”
She placed two fingers against his lips. “You’re wrong. I found you quite handsome and even . . .” Her voice trailed off as she lowered her head.
“Even what?” Alasdair lifted her chin.
Tears welled in her eyes but she managed to hold them at bay. “I hoped that some day we might marry. I know it tae be a foolish notion, given I wasna a bonny lass and you were the son of one of the most powerful lairds in all the Highlands. Jayden teased me relentlessly about my crush. But I once overheard our fathers talking about the possibility of our union and it gave me hope.”
“I wasna aware of such a pact. Not until Jayden mentioned it. Our fathers were friends, but as the second son, I was tanist tae my older brother. Had he not died along with our father at Berwick on Tweed, he would now sit as laird of Clan Fraser. Mayhap he would have been your husband.”
Edina crossed herself. “Forgive me for saying this, but your brother is dead and you are now the eldest son. I am sure if you asked my da, he would give consent.”
Alasdair backed away and shook his head. “Nay. I might be the eldest son, but my brother, Connor, is laird of Clan Fraser. I have no wealth, land, or title, so our joining would serve no purpose. Not like a marriage between you and Duncan Sutherland.” He stared into eyes filled with anticipation, and wished he could tell her what she wanted to hear. But there was no future for them. Every moment he remained in her presence made it more difficult for him to leave.
He squared his shoulders and held her at arm’s length. “Your hand has been promised to Sutherland and you must honor your father’s wishes. I have no desire tae marry and will be leaving tae rejoin the cause verra soon. That is where my destiny lies,” he concluded with conviction and in hopes of putting an end to his attraction to the lass and she to him.
“It doesna have tae be that way. I would gladly run away with you if you were tae ask. I would make you a good wife, I promise. In time you might even come tae love me. Please give it some thought.”
If only she knew his true feelings.
He heard the desperation in her voice, but had to remain strong. “My mind is set, Edina, and your father wouldna stand for your defiance. He’d hunt us both down and see me hanged. There is nothing I can do tae change what is about tae take place. Jayden is right, best you accept your fate and prepare for Duncan’s arrival.” He spun around and strode out of the chamber.
Dashing Edina’s dreams and leaving her standing there was difficult. But there was no choice and a clean break was for the best. Or so he tried to convince himself as he raced down the stairs and into the great hall, searching for a tankard of ale, mayhap many, given the way he was feeling. Helpless and defeated were two emotions he was not accustomed to and he did not like either in the least.
“Did you settle things with my sister?” Jayden asked as he joined Alasdair in the great hall and motioned for him to sit at the table. He opened the clay jug he carried and poured the content into two tankards.
“What have you there?” Alasdair reached for the pewter cup.
“Uisge beatha, the water of life and the finest whisky in all of Scotland. You look like you could use some.”
Alasdair snatched a tankard and downed the content in one gulp. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, then held the vessel out in Jayden’s direction. “More.”
After obliging his friend’s request, Jayden sat back in his chair, and sipped on his own drink. “Your mood is foul. The conversation you had with Edina must not have gone well.”
“It went fine.” Alasdair emptied his tankard for the second time and held it out to Jayden again. “Things are as they should be and I dinna want tae talk about it anymore.”
Jayden poured another drink for each of them. “At this rate I will have tae carry you tae your chamber.” He laughed.
Alasdair narrowed his eyes and glared at his friend. “I willna need you tae carry me anywhere,” he growled. “If you dinna wish tae share, I can find my spirits elsewhere.”
“Nay. That willna be necessary.” Jayden raised his hands in a gesture of compliance. “Have all you want.” He pushed the jug across the table toward Alasdair, then rocked back in his chair. “You’re a grown man and know your limits. If you wish tae drink yourself senseless, I willna stand in your way.” He hesitated a minute before asking. “Were we wrong tae believe there was nothing between you and Edina?”
Alasdair slammed the tankard on the table, sprang to his feet, then planted both hands on the slab of oak and stared at Jayden. “I thought we were through with that discussion and had put it behind us?” he said through clenched teeth. “If you wish to end this matter once and for all, I will meet you outside in the lists.” He fingered the hilt of his sword.
Jayden placed his hand on Alasdair’s forearm. “Calm yourself, man. I am not saying you did anything tae defile my sister. But that doesna mean you dinna have feelings for her. Even if you willna admit tae them. I’ve seen the way you look at her. If you wish tae speak about it, I will keep your secret.”
“I have naught to discuss or tae hide. Edina is a beguiling lass, but she is betrothed to Sutherland and that isna about tae change. I have no plans to wed and intend tae rejoin Robert the Bruce in his quest tae rid Scotland of the English.”
“If you can wait tae leave until after the wedding, I will join you. I’m sure Robert will welcome another sword.”
Alasdair shifted in his chair. It was hard enough to imagine Edina in the arms of another man, but to attend the ceremony and hold his tongue was another story. “I canna make any promises.” He sat hard on the chair and picked up his tankard.
Edina paced her chamber like a cornered animal. She didn’t realize how much she cared for Alasdair until he’d stormed out of the room and possibly out of her life forever. Had she fallen in love with him?
While her heart fluttered every time he came near, the cadence of his deep voice made her swoon, and his touch excited her, she had tried to rationalize her response to him as being normal. He had saved her life and cared for her when she was injured. What she felt was gratitude. Wasn’t it?
She couldn’t believe she’d asked him to marry her. He must have thought her daft or at the least, a desperate fool.
“What am I tae do?” Edina muttered aloud.
“I beg your pardon, m’lady?”
Edina whipped around. “Helen. I dinna hear you knock.”
“I did, but you dinna reply so I assumed you dinna hear me.”
“What is it you want?” Edina asked, her mind still preoccupied with thoughts of Alasdair.
“The hour is late and your father sent me tae help you get ready for bed. You’ve had a verra busy day and you must be exhausted.” Helen crossed the chamber and took a nightrail from a hook on the wall. “Would you like me tae brush your lovely hair?”
“Nay,” Edina snapped, her response more abrupt than she intended. “I’m not tired and dinna need help getting ready for bed.”
Helen lowered her eyes. “I dinna mean to intrude.”
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br /> Remorse tugged at Edina’s belly. She had taken out her frustration with Alasdair and her upcoming wedding on her lady’s maid. The only person she could truly call a friend. Mayhap, the only person she could confide in and trust. “Forgive me, Helen. I dinna mean tae be rude or harsh with you. I have a lot on my mind, but had no right tae speak tae you the way I did.”
Helen bobbed a curtsy. “Och, you have naught tae apologize for. You have been through quite an ordeal and I hold no ill will against you.”
“Thank you.” Edina released a deep sigh and sat on the end of her bed. “I value your friendship and dinna mean tae be difficult. I would appreciate your help.”
Helen handed the nightrail to Edina. I’ve missed you verra much. It saddens me tae think you will only be home for a brief time. Your father said he expects your betrothed to arrive on the morrow and plans tae see you married as soon as possible.”
“I need no reminders.” Edina lowered her head, cradling it in her hands. “I must find a way tae get my da tae change his mind. I dinna wish tae marry Duncan.”
“I understand, and wouldna like tae be forced tae marry a man I dinna know or love. I am so fortunate. William and I have been betrothed since we were bairns. I love him with all my heart and could not bear tae marry another. He told me he feels the same way about me.”
“You are very lucky. I wish I had a choice,” Edina said, then smiled as an idea popped into her mind. “Did you not say Duncan Sutherland was once betrothed tae his cousin, a lass from the Clan Mackenzie?”
“Aye. He was tae marry her this summer, but those plans changed when his father made a pact with your da.” Helen shook her head. “The young laird must have been heartbroken when he learned of the arrangements.”